Marie Josephe, a free woman of color, contends that François Grappe sold her four minor children “as his slaves” to one Magdelaine, the daughter of a free woman of color named Pelagie. Marie Josephe notes that, at the time of her birth, her mother had been enjoying “her freedom from ten consecutive years in presence” of Grappe. In addition, Marie Josephe has “enjoyed her freedom in good faith believing she was free” since the “day of her maturity.” Therefore, she claims that her children were “all born free.” To further support her case, Marie Josephe informs the court that Grappe “never considered” her children “as his slaves” and “never paid taxes for them.” Marie Josephe asks the court to cancel the sale and to reaffirm her children’s free status.
Result: Granted.
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Repository: Natchitoches Parish Courthouse, Natchitoches, Louisiana
